United Arab Emirates immigration rule changes
5 dated rule changes to United Arab Emirates programmes, from 2021-03-01 to 2024-01-01. Each item links to the programme page and the official source we recorded it from. This is a record of what we captured, not a complete legislative history.
← All updates & policy changes · United Arab Emirates country profile →
2024 (1)
UAE Blue Residency Visa: UAE introduced the Blue Residency Visa, a renewable 10-year residency for individuals with outstanding contributions to environmental protection and sustainability, building on commitments highlighted at COP28 (held in Dubai, Nov-Dec 2023). Exact launch date is approximate and should be reconfirmed with ICP.
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2023 (2)
Dubai Freelance Visa (TECOM / Free Zone Permit): UAE Corporate Tax Law effective June 2023. Freelancers operating as UAE sole establishments are subject to 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000/yr. Small Business Relief (revenue ≤ AED 3M) provides effective 0% rate for most individual freelancers.
source →UAE Golden Visa: UAE Federal Corporate Tax Law effective 1 June 2023. 9% tax on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000/yr. UAE free zone entities with qualifying income may retain 0% rate if they meet substance requirements.
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2022 (1)
UAE Golden Visa: UAE Golden Visa eligibility significantly broadened: investors, specialized talents, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, frontline workers, and humanitarian pioneers all added. Real estate investors with mortgages now eligible if equity ≥ AED 2M. Previous AED 5M investment threshold reduced to AED 2M.
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2021 (1)
UAE Virtual Working Programme (Remote Work Visa): Dubai Virtual Working Programme launched, making Dubai one of the first Gulf destinations to offer a formal remote work visa for employees of foreign companies.
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